Slow Down and Arrive Alive

Gentlemen, start your engines. But let’s not rev them up quite so high.

Motorists who obey the speed limits are correct when they get the feeling that more and more of their fellow travelers on the freeways in south Orange County are whizzing by at faster and faster speeds.

An analysis of state records shows that five times the number of drivers on the Santa Ana Freeway top 75 mph compared to two years ago. And the number of motorists ticketed for driving more than 100 mph in South County last year hit 216. That was a record and twice the number of a decade ago.

Although the number of fatalities on freeways has not gone up despite higher speeds, clearly there is a need to keep an eye on the speedometer and a lighter foot on the gas pedal. Drive fast enough and air bags, seat belts and 5,000-pound vehicles won’t prevent deaths.

The California Highway Patrol monitors speeds with sensors embedded in freeways throughout the state, which is considered more accurate than relying on readings of periodic radar usage. One reason for increased speeds on more rural stretches of road is thought to be slow speeds in areas that are more congested. Drivers upset at being stuck in traffic let it rip when the road is clear.

The speed limit on most California freeways increased from 55 to 65 in 1996. But transportation experts said they were surprised that speeds continue to rise four years later.

Last year, the CHP began cracking down on speeding drivers in South County. On the toll roads, high speeds often seem the norm, not the exception. Handing out tickets and imposing heavy fines are one way to get motorists to slow down. But it’s up to drivers to understand that the faster the speed, the greater the danger.